The Fantastic Four: First Steps

"The Fantastic Four: First Steps" is a story about family above all else, where each member of the team is equally important. The movie excels when fleshing out the various bonds between Pedro, Vanessa, Ebon, & Joseph.

Pedro nails Reed's stoicism and dashing brilliance, while Joseph makes Johnny feel ever so valiant. But man, I can't remember the last time I adored two Marvel heroes like Ebon's Ben and Vanessa's Sue. They hold the family together and ground the others when no one else can. Silver Surfer is perfection with this metallic voice and looks really really good. Galactus is awesome in IMAX.

The combination of practical effects and CGI is...you guessed it...Fantastic...say that again! VFX were immaculate. Cosmically and on Earth, Matt Shakman dropped a visual feast. It is stunning, stylish, self-contained, and easy to jump into. I had such a good time with this one. The retrofuturism is so pleasing. The retro '60s aesthetic works on all fronts.

Marvel's first family shines with chemistry & charisma Stan Lee and Jack Kirby would be proud of. The "FF" dazzle from start to finish, Matt Shakman delivers one of Marvel's best. Michael Giacchino's score is triumphant and easily his best work in the MCU. Can't wait to watch it again tomorrow!

There are 2 credit scenes, but you already know, that you'll stay for them. Fantastic!

My god, what is it with superhero films these days? They are just so lacklustre.

After the first trailer, I was unimpressed. I was really not keen on seeing the film, but then my son asked, and we also got to see Galactus in the last trailer, so I thought we would go for it. Even if Galactus is cool and the rest sucks, that would be something.

The film looks great; they nail the comic book look, and I cannot really fault it in that regard. Sadly, that's about it. The CGI ranges from passable to excellent, the script is very dumb in parts....but passable. The "female" Silver Surfer was fine; there was a plot point that made the Surfer's gender a necessary story element. The casting just felt off, not terrible, but something did not click.....And worst of all was the utter waste of Galactus.

Going by trailers, it looked like we would finally get some full-on action, but (no real spoiler apart from what he does) what we get is chatty Galactus, "ouch" Galactus, and walking past buildings Galactus....... Oh, and one other Galactus that made it even worse.

I have to say, right up to the Space trip and meeting (trying to keep details low), I was pleasantly surprised, and I did start to get my hopes up. Lesson learned, I guess.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps doesn't just reboot a legacy - it rewires it with care, clarity, and cinematic control. From its very first frames, the film announces a shift in tone: retro aesthetics lend a nostalgic yet distinct visual palette, while the story grounds itself not in multiversal noise, but in human decisions and scientific curiosity. This is a Marvel film that respects both the super and the human.

Unlike most origin stories, the setup here is brisk and assured. The film's first act is structured to give audiences a quick, satisfying look at the team's backstory and past deeds, never lingering too long but still managing to earn every emotional beat. There's no hand-holding, and yet nothing feels rushed.

Where this film truly surprises is in its character work. Johnny Storm isn't just the loud, reckless sibling - here, his intelligence is finally given equal weight, offering context to his presence among astronauts. Ben Grimm, too, is more than the "muscle"; there's a deep sincerity to his character, a balance of science and strength. The team chemistry feels lived-in - full of quiet bickering, mutual admiration, and a rhythm only shared by families who've been through things together. Their bond feels earned.

Villain-wise, First Steps pulls off a rarity: a visually formidable Galactus rendered with restraint, not excess. Though Silver Surfer purists may still hold a soft spot for Doug Jones' performance in Rise of the Silver Surfer, this iteration serves the story's vision well. And in a surprise turn, even HERBIE - the team's robo companion - is no gimmick. The CGI character is narratively vital, not just another quip machine.

Director Matt Shakman strikes an impressive balance between science-fiction and superheroism, giving each frame a purpose. The film doesn't lean heavily on humor (thankfully), instead relying on strong dramatic beats, coherent action, and a screenplay that embraces a comic-book sensibility - particularly during its stylized crescendo.

Visually, the film is a treat. From cosmic scenes to grounded lab environments, everything feels tangible and lived-in. The action is clean, never bloated, with each power sequence well-thought-out and easy to follow. While the score doesn't stand out as a whole, it's used judiciously, heightening the right moments without becoming overwhelming.

Despite being part of a sprawling cinematic universe, First Steps works remarkably well as a standalone. It carves space for the Fantastic Four without relying on MCU cameos or overstuffed references. That said, the post-credit scene is minimal yet seismic - enough to send a wave of gasps through the theatre.

Sum up - The Fantastic Four: First Steps is both a film and a foundation. It's smart without being cold, epic without losing intimacy, and finally gives Marvel's First Family the treatment they deserve. More than a comeback - this is a course correction.

I think it's safe to say that in comparison to the recent marvel movies, this one takes a step back and brings back the simpler early marvel days vibe.

Must admit walked in with low expectations and came out hyped and excited for where this movie may take place with marvels next to come movies.

Had doubts on the casting being a diehard fan to the early first two originals but will admit the casting held up to their game in the movie.

The movie was a great standalone movie, didn't dwell and repeat too much on what we already know, went straight to the basics, keeping it simple and easy to follow with the plot. Providing us with little theories we can make with upcoming films also.

Music and effects I would say were pretty good or getting better, marvel is definitely heading towards a better direction.

Feel like we the audience need to lower our expectations a little, that way we will find more enjoyment.

This was one of my most anticipated movies but it was disappointing for me.

Now for pros 1. It had some really good CGI at some points. Atleast it did The Thing right. He is being done dirty for a long time.

2. There was chemistry between the cast. The chemistry was better than 2015 version but it wasn't better than the 2005 one.

3. Galactus was done right you could feel his presence in IMAX.

4. I liked Joseph Quinn. He kept the legacy alive of good human torches.

Now for cons 1. Pedro was such a miscast. He played himself. He is not right for Reed.

2. It has more wacky shots than the good ones. The CGI looks unfinished at some points.

3. It was poorly edited. We know they cut 15 to 20 minutes and you could feel it. Something was missing.

4. CGI baby. I think it's about time they stop using the CGI baby. It was giving uncanny vibes.

5. Reed was really underwhelming. He barely used his powers.

6. Although it was only 1 hour 55 minutes long yet it felt longer than other movies which are longer. The pacing was horrible.

7. Most of it was spoiled in the trailers. If you saw all promotional videos and trailer you just saw 50 percent of the movie.

8. The last act was horrible. It felt like that Yelena scene from Black Widow.

9. This movie felt like it was missing a whole act. They should have given creative control to the director.

10. They could have done the post credit better.

This was a misfire by marvel and they should be worried beacuse it is directly related to Doomsday. It is really average. It places at 2nd last in the ranking of 2025 CBM.

I am really disappointed. Fantastic four are one of my favourite characters and they missed another time. When we will get a good F4 film? That's the question.